Chinese entertainment industry has been booming since 2008.

Chapter 207 Resolving Issues and Taking Investment

January 8nd, 2010!

Chengtian Film and Television Headquarters Building.

Tang Yan stood in the elevator, staring at her face in the mirror. Her makeup was exquisite, but her eyes were somewhat unfocused. She took a deep breath and tried to appear calm.

The elevator doors opened, and at the end of the corridor was President Wu's office, where Ji Rujing was already waiting. Upon seeing her, she quickly approached.

Ji Rujing lowered her voice: "Tangtang, President Wu wants to talk to you about the contract. Be smart."

Tang Yan nodded and followed her inside.

As she passed a conference room, she glimpsed several people sitting inside, dressed in suits and ties, their expressions serious. One of them was speaking, his voice faintly audible: "I heard that President Wu is going to sell the cinema chain."

Tang Yan withdrew her gaze and continued walking forward.

Mr. Wu's office door was open. He was on the phone when he saw Tang Yan come in. He nodded to her and gestured for her to sit down.

"Okay, then that's settled."

He hung up the phone and looked at Tang Yan with a smile: "Little Tang is here, sit down, don't be shy."

Tang Yan sat down opposite him, her back ramrod straight.

Looking at Tang Yan, President Wu, leaning back in his chair, sighed: "Little Tang, you're lucky, you've met a benefactor."

Tang Yan remained silent and did not speak.

"To be honest, someone made a request, trying to push you down that path. There's nothing I can do; that's just how this industry is. But this time..."

Mr. Wu paused, his tone somewhat complicated: "Mr. Zhang gave so much, that's why I said you met a benefactor."

Tang Yan's throat felt tight.

She recalled that night when Zhang Yang told her to rest assured; she never expected that Zhang Yang would actually use a real money project as leverage.

"Mr. Wu, may I ask a question? Director Zhang...why did he do this?"

Mr. Wu looked at her, remained silent for a few seconds, and then smiled.

"Xiao Tang, there are some things you don't need to ask why."

He stood up and walked to the window: "You just need to remember that in this industry, it's a blessing that someone is willing to lend you a hand. Cherish it."

Tang Yan lowered her head and signed her name on the termination agreement. After signing, she stood up and bowed deeply to President Wu.

He bowed.

"Mr. Wu, thank you for your care over the years."

Mr. Wu waved his hand: "Go ahead, who knows, I might need your help someday."

Stepping out of the office, Ji Rujing was already waiting at the door. Seeing Tang Yan come out, a relieved smile appeared on her face: "The contract was terminated?"

"Um."

As the two walked out, the door of the conference room opened, and several people came out. Leading them was a middle-aged man in his forties, wearing gold-rimmed glasses and possessing a refined air.

He saw Tang Yan, nodded slightly, and then brushed past her.

Tang Yan didn't recognize him, but Ji Rujing's expression changed.

"Who is that?"

Upon hearing Tang Yan's question, Ji Rujing lowered her voice and said, "Representatives from Xingchen Entertainment, they're here... probably to discuss the transfer of the cinema chain."

Tang Yan's heart skipped a beat. The transfer of the cinema chain? Could it be that Zhang Yang wanted to enter the cinema chain business?

Watching those people walk away, Tang Yan remained silent for a long time.

"Candy?"

Ji Rujing's voice brought Tang Yan back to reality. She smiled and said, "Let's go."

Stepping out of the building, the sunlight hit me in the face, and the early spring breeze, though still cool, was already warm.

Tang Yan raised her head and squinted at the sky.

It's a bright, clear blue.

She suddenly remembered that night, after Zhang Yang left, she stood by the window, looking at the city lights, and at that moment she felt that the future seemed to be getting brighter.

Now she knows it wasn't an illusion.

It really did light up.

Xingchen Entertainment, Zhang Yang's office.

Sun Yu knocked and came in, holding a document in his hand: "President Zhang, the transfer agreement for Jiahe Cinemas has been signed, and the cinema chain officially belongs to us."

Zhang Yang took the document, flipped through a few pages, and nodded: "Okay, how's the operations team setup going?"

"The headhunter recommended a few people, and we're in contact with one of them. He used to be a regional general manager at Wanda Cinemas and has a lot of experience."

Sun Yu paused, hesitated for a moment, and continued, "Mr. Zhang, operating a cinema chain is a money-burning business, and our cash flow..."

"I know."

Zhang Yang put down the documents: "How's the Miaoyan platform testing going?"

"Internal testing has already begun, and it should be available online this summer."

"it is good."

Zhang Yang stood up and walked to the window: "Once Miaoyan goes online, the cinema chain can form a closed loop. The movies we invest in can be shown in the cinemas we own, and tickets can be sold through our own platform. This will reduce costs and increase profits."

Sun Yu's eyes lit up: "Mr. Zhang, are you... building an industry chain?"

"Otherwise what?"

Zhang Yang turned to look at him: "How much money can you make just by making movies? If you're going to play, play big."

Sun Yu nodded thoughtfully and didn't ask any more questions.

Just then, Zhang Yang's phone rang; it was Zhang Yi.

"Yangyang, Xuewei Beer's self-inspection is complete, and all the procedures are ready."

Zhang Yi's words surprised Zhang Yang, who then smiled and said, "It really is good news. It just so happens that I've almost finished negotiating with the buyer, and I happen to need some money."

"Yangyang, I have some money here. Do you want me to give it to you for emergencies?"

Zhang Yi's words deeply moved Zhang Yang, because not everyone would be willing to lend you money.

"Brother, thank you. I'll definitely let you know if I need anything."

Zhang Yi was silent for a few seconds, then took a deep breath: "Okay, as long as you understand. Dad asked me to ask you, when are you coming home?"

"I've been quite busy lately. I'll go back on the 29th of the twelfth lunar month."

"Okay, take care of yourself."

After hanging up the phone, Zhang Yang returned to his seat, leaned back on the sofa, and began to close his eyes to rest.

Seeing this, Sun Yu quietly left the office.

Boom boom boom!

There was a knock on the door.

"Come in!"

The secretary walked in wearing high heels: "Mr. Zhang, Yang Mi and Tang Yan called to say they'd like to invite you to dinner tonight to celebrate Tang Yan's official signing."

Zhang Yang chuckled: "Another meal? These two..."

"Mr. Zhang, should I reply to them?"

Zhang Yang thought for a moment, then shook his head: "Forget it, go to XX Club and book a private room. Send the time and address to Tang Yan and Yang Mi, and also let Zhu Yilong and Wang Like know that I will be there on time tonight."

"Okay."

After his secretary left, Zhang Yang continued with his work.

Currently, Star Entertainment doesn't have many signed actors. The top female star on the surface is Wang Like, but she's quite laid-back, which is why Yang Mi has always called herself Star Entertainment's top female star.

In reality, Liu Yifei should be the top female star of Star Entertainment, but she hasn't officially announced her joining Star Entertainment.

As for Zhu Yilong, Zhang Yang poached him to promote him, since Xingchen Entertainment's upcoming film and television projects are very promising.

We shouldn't always praise outsiders; we should praise our own people instead.

Besides Zhu Yilong, Zhang Yang is also trying to recruit Zhang Ruoyun. Currently, Zhang Ruoyun seems quite willing to join Xingchen Entertainment. However, Zhang Ruoyun's father is a big shot in the Beijing entertainment circle, and it would be somewhat embarrassing for him to have his son sign with Xingchen Entertainment, which is at odds with the Beijing circle. Therefore, the situation is currently at a stalemate. However, Zhang Yang believes that as long as Zhang Ruoyun isn't stupid, she will definitely choose Xingchen Entertainment.

XX Club.

In the XX private room, there was a bamboo forest outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, rustling in the wind. When Zhang Yang arrived, almost everyone had already arrived.

Yang Mi was taking a selfie with Wang Like, Tang Yan was directing the angle, Zhu Yilong was leaning against the window scrolling through her phone, and various fruits were laid out on the coffee table.

"Director Zhang is here!"

Yang Mi was the first to spot Zhang Yang and immediately put down her phone: "Quick, quick, quick, the head seat was reserved for you!"

Zhang Yang sat down at the head of the table and glanced at everyone: "Is everyone here? Have you ordered?"

"I've ordered it."

Yang Mi leaned closer, showing off her creation like a treasure: "I specially ordered your favorite braised pork, sweet and sour pork ribs, and..."

"Alright, alright," Zhang Yang interrupted her with a smile, "Today isn't a celebration banquet, it's a welcome-back party for Tangtang. Let her order."

Tang Yan paused for a moment, her face flushing slightly: "Director Zhang, I..."

'

Zhang Yang pushed the menu forward and said domineeringly, "Order what I tell you to order."

Tang Yan took the menu, her finger lightly tracing the pages. She finally ordered two light vegetarian dishes. Yang Mi, standing beside her, pouted, "Tangtang, you're too polite! You're the star of the show today, order more!"

"That's enough, that's enough."

Tang Yan closed the menu: "You've ordered enough."

As the dishes were served and the wine was poured, Yang Mi was the first to raise her glass: "Come on, let's toast Tangtang! Welcome to the Starry Sky family!"

Everyone raised their glasses, and Tang Yan, her eyes slightly red, drank it all in one gulp.

After a few drinks, the atmosphere gradually warmed up. Yang Mi pulled Wang Like aside to whisper something, while Tang Yan sat to the side listening. Zhu Yilong leaned close to Zhang Yang and asked in a low voice, "Director Zhang, I heard you acquired Chengtian's cinema chain?"

Zhang Yang glanced at him: "You're quite well-informed."

"It's all over the industry."

Zhu Yilong took a sip of his drink: "Everyone says you've got quite the spending power. While Chengtian's cinema chains aren't top-tier, they're still quite impressive in the Asia-Pacific region..."

The district's influence is still terrifying; many cinemas in the industry are crying wolf.

Zhang Yang naturally understood the nature of cinema chains. It could be said that, looking at the world film industry, China's cinema chains, while not the most powerful, were certainly far ahead.

Zhang Yang had never heard of a movie's screening rate being calculated based on factors like cast, marketing, selling points, and popularity, but rather requiring payment to secure a screening slot.

After a few rounds of drinks, Yang Mi suddenly stood up, tapped her glass, and said, "Everyone, I have a suggestion!"

Everyone looked at her.

"Today is a welcome-back party for Tangtang, shouldn't we do something to show our appreciation?"

After saying that, she winked and teased, "Like... having Tangtang perform a talent show?"

Tang Yan's face flushed red: "Honey! Stop fooling around!"

"I wasn't making a scene..."

Yang Mi looked completely innocent: "In our line of work, who doesn't have some talent? Tangtang, you sing so well, please sing one!"

Zhu Yilong chimed in from the side, "One more! One more!"

Wang Like also smiled and clapped lightly, clearly enjoying the spectacle.

Tang Yan looked at Zhang Yang for help.

Zhang Yang slowly took a sip of tea: "Sing, I'd like to hear it too."

Tang Yan was stunned for a moment, then resignedly stood up.

She cleared her throat and began to sing "Later." It was a cappella, without any accompaniment, but her voice was clear and full of emotion. When she sang the last line, the room was so quiet that you could hear the wind outside the window.

"Later, I finally learned how to love..."

As the last note faded, Yang Mi was the first to clap: "That was amazing! Tangtang, you're incredible!"

Zhu Yilong clapped along, and Wang Like clapped with a smile on her face.

Tang Yan sat down, blushing, and stole a glance at Zhang Yang. Zhang Yang nodded slightly at her, a smile in his eyes.

That one glance sent a warm feeling through her heart.

It was late at night when the event ended. People left one after another; Wang Li was driven home by her assistant, as was Zhu Yilong.

As for Tang Yan and Yang Mi, they were naturally taken away by Zhang Yang.

May 2st!

Zhang Yang arrived at Xiaomi Technology's internal conference room on time.

Lei Jun stood at the front, using a PowerPoint presentation to show what they wanted to do: create a smartphone with the ultimate cost-performance ratio, so that everyone could enjoy the fun of technology.

Zhang Yang sat in the corner, listening quietly.

As the PowerPoint presentation turned page after page, Lei Jun's voice remained steady and powerful. Zhang Yang listened to those entrepreneurial stories he knew by heart, and a strange feeling welled up inside him.

He knew what would happen in the next ten years.

He knew that Xiaomi would succeed, go public, and become a Fortune 500 company.

He knew that Lei Jun would be revered as an idol by countless entrepreneurs.

He even knows which phone Xiaomi will release in which year, what crisis it will face in which year, and how it will make a comeback in which year.

But he couldn't say.

He could only sit quietly in the corner, like an ordinary investor, using normal logic to judge the value of the project.

After the speech, Lei Jun came over and shook hands with him.

"Director Zhang, I've long admired your name. I never knew you were interested in mobile phones."

"Mr. Lei, I'm interested in anything that can change the world."

Zhang Yang and Lei Jun talked for a long time, but they didn't discuss financing. Instead, they talked about their visions for the future of the intelligent era.

Thanks to his ability to see into the heavens, Zhang Yang's views overlapped with Lei Jun's, which made Lei Jun feel that he had truly found a kindred spirit.

They exchanged contact information, and Zhang Yang left.

Back at Star Entertainment, Sun Yu was already waiting for him in his office.

Upon seeing Zhang Yang enter, he immediately stood up, his face displaying a complex expression—both excited and apprehensive.

"Mr. Zhang, we've received a message from Mr. Lei."

As he spoke, Sun Yu handed over a document: "Xiaomi Company has agreed to let us participate in the Series A financing, and the share... is even larger than expected."

Zhang Yang took the document, glanced at it, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.

He also made a condition: he hoped you could hold a nominal position at Xiaomi's company and invited you to join him...

This will create a new LP lineup for Shunwei Capital.

Zhang Yang smiled.

This is exactly what he wanted.

LP, or Limited Partner, may sound like just a title for an investor, but in this circle, it means entering the world of top-tier capital. From then on, the doors to startup roadshows, investment circle dinners, and circles that ordinary people would fight tooth and nail to get into will all be open to him.

"Say yes."

After saying that, Zhang Yang handed the document back: "By the way, could you ask President Lei when he'll be free after the New Year? I'd like to invite him to dinner."

Sun Yu nodded, hesitated for a moment, and then couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Zhang, you really think highly of this company? A newly established small team, making phones in such a red ocean market..."

Zhang Yang looked at him and suddenly laughed: "Sun Yu, do you know why I've gotten to where I am today?"

Sun Yu shook his head.